Weak-iron fob carriages



.J. G. LEFLER.

Carriage-Fender.

Patented Sept. 8, 1857.

N- PEIERs, PHOTO-UTMOGRAPNER, wASmNGTON, D. c.

t UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

J. GEORGE LEFLER, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

WEAR-IRON FOR CARRIAGES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 18,153, dated September 8, 1857 Reissued October 5, 1858, No. 609.

metal) guards and manner of arranging same in the body of a carriage or wagon, as hereinafter fully described; whereby the wheels of the front axle are allowed to run sufficiently under the body to admit of the carriage being turned in a small circle, while the construction of the body of the wagon is not rendered more diflicult or expensive than that of common wagons as now constructed, without the facility above named.

This improvement is intended in its application principally for long wagons, or two seat plain body carriages of which there are a great number built; and required by the public, on account of their strength and the comparatively small cost at which they can be furnished; but to which the great objection is, their incapacity to turn in a conveniently small circle,or space. This objection has to the best of my knowledge been overcome, only by constructing the body of the carriage in such way as to allow the front wheels to pass entirely under, which construction renders the vehicle so expensive that it can only be adopted in building costly carriages.

In order to make my improvement clearly understood I will proceed to describe its construction and operation, referring by letters to the accompanying drawings, in which (Figure 1) represents a bottom view, (Fig. 2) a side elevation of my improved carriage.

(A) is the body of the wagon, (E) the back axle, (F) the forward axle, (G) the perch, the fifth wheel and (K) the springs, &c., the whole of the running-gear being constructed in the ordinary way and requiring no specific description here.

(B) is the metallic guard in which my improvement lies, the recessed portion of Said guard is conwhich is marked (13').

structed with flanges which bear against the bottom of the body of the wagon, and also others which bear against the inside of the bodys side and the whole is secured by bolts passing through the bottom, and sides of the wagon; the shape of said guard (B) is best understood by reference to the detail views marked (1 and 2) the former of which is a bottom view and the latter a side View of said guard ;the flanges (a a.) take their bearings against the bottom or floor of the wagon and also against the bottom edge of the sides of the wagon, to both of which places or parts they are secured by bolts and nuts; the flange (0) bears against the inside of the bodys side to which it is secured by bolts in like manner as flanges (a a) are secured to their bearing surfaces.

The body of the carriage or wagon is constructed as usual, when the side and bottom pieces are cut away to accommodate the guards (B) said guards are adjusted to the body as represented and secured thereto by bolts as before described. It will be observed that a wagon body constructed in the ordinary box form and having arranged in its sides, as described, the guards (B) of the form shown and secured by bolts as represented, is as strong, and durable as though the sides and bottom were perfectly continuous or solid; while the wearing of the side is prevented by the wheels coming in contact with the guards and the wagon is capable of being turned around in a small circle or space.

The operation of my improvement requires no explanation as it is already understood, being the same except in degree as when the front wheels pass entirely under the carriage. As- I before stated, Iam aware that carriages are constructed with a pass or goose neck which allows the wheels to pass entirely under, but this arrangement involves an expensive construction of carriage. I am also aware that guards have been placed in the bottom edges of the sides of wagons to protect the body against the rubbing of the wheels, when turning, and do not wish to be considered as claiming as my invention any such arrangements.

I would state that my improvement is also peculiarly adapted to a kind of three seat wagon which is used a great deal, the great objection to which Was its incapacity to turn in a small space but which having been improved by being constructed with a pass is noW found so heavy and expensive that it is found unsalable, besides the fact of having a pass renders it necessary for persons occupying the middle seat to ride backward as the foot room, in front of said seat is occupied by the pass.

Having had long experience in building all kinds of carriages and wagons, feel confident that the simple arrangement as herein described is a valuable improvement, as it-gives to the wagon the desired advantages without increase of cost weight, or without in the least weakening the structure. I have built wagons with this improvement and find that they give most hearty satisfaction to the purchasing public.

Having described my improvement, and disclaiming a guard, broadly or allowing the Wheels to pass partially under the body of the wagon; what I do claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is The peculiar construction of the metallic recess guards (B), with the flanges (a, a,) bearing against the bottom and sides of the body of a plain carriage or Wagon, and arranged with the latter, as, and for the purposes herein set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

J. GEORGE LEFLER.

BRITTON ELY.

[FIRsT PRINTED 1912.] 

